Love's Journey 2
by Castlefan6
Authors Note This is the continuation of Love's Journey, originally authored by The Muse of Apollo, chapters 1-7 all following are work of Castlefan6' IF you haven't read the original Love's Journey please do so before proceeding with this,
I don't own Castle, I only use the characters for amusement purposes only
A/N Helen I am honored, Thank you my Sweet Lady !
A/N Barry I promise you Bracken will not appear in this story, Guest, No Jess is not a Bracken plant, and Guest, Who said anything about Wedding, Engagement or Dying. Love the passion from each reviewer, keep them coming I love writing this hopefully you are enjoying reading and trying to figure where the characters are going
Chapter 7
Previously
As the laughter dies down, Jess looks over at Kate and asks, "Kate, please be honest with me, how bad ass is this Simmons guy, should I be worried about Rick or the project, please the truth, OK?"
"I'm not going to lie to you Jess, by himself he is a street thug, but word has it that he has some cronies in high places, so this could get nasty, that's why I called in Jordan Shaw, my friend at the AG office, well she is actually FBI but reports directly to the AG. Don't worry Jess, I have already arranged to have some teams from the 12th that I trust be ready to move at moment's notice should we need them, I won't let anything happen to Rick if I can help it, "
Castle's Loft
One Week Later
Rick is sitting at his desk, going over the detailed security plan that his friend Mike Reboddo from his days in the Marines had sent to him. Oh yeah, another part of his life he is going to have to tell Jess about soon. Truth of the matter, he only joined to get the College Tuition he needed, who knew they would make him an officer and Martha was so very proud of him making his own way, it really made him mature as a man.
As he reviewed the plans, his mind slips back to when he, Mike, and Jim Pesho would paint the town all night, and still finish first in the PT (Physical Training) or academic tests thrown at them. Jim, RIP was a crazy soul who died from injuries suffered when he re-enlisted for the Gulf War, no one could talk him out of it, and as he told Rick before shipping out the last time, "If I go, it'll be on my time,". That was the last time Rick saw him alive. He was one fine Marine, and it was sad that he only had friends to remember him, always too busy to start a family.
The technology had certainly progressed leaps and bounds from the days they served, and Mike had taken the time to give Rick the layman's definition of each component of security. About a quarter of the way through the document, Rick was about to pull his hair out with all the terms, drawings and technical specs, then it dawned on him, WHY was HE doing this, He could bring Mike on board as chief of security, after talking to Jess of course, and solve the problem. He also knew Mike's loyalty and he would take a bullet for Rick, or anyone he loved so the sense of security was never greater when he was with him.
Jess was working at her desk quietly, reviewing documents and both their schedules, making a mental note that they had lunch with Kelly Nunez tomorrow, at 12:30 to review the new contract with First American Publishing. As her email chimed, she made some notes then a few mouse clicks and she jumped from her chair straight into Rick's surprised arms.
"We got it, we got it," as kisses begin to land all up and down Rick's face finally settling on a sweet kiss on the lips to seal her love.
"Got What Angel?" Rick asks
"The lawyers just completed the deal for our first plot of land to house Project Lost Innocence, AND they paid less than half of asking price so we can do so much more to the units Rick, I can't believe it, I just can't believe it is finally happening after all this time" Jess is almost in tears at this point, she's so happy
Rick looks down in her watery eyes, "WE didn't do this Angel, you did, and I am so proud of you. I know somewhere Rae is celebrating this, and she'll be with us all the way, Thank You from us both" as he kisses her tenderly and lovingly. Jess reaches up and nonchalantly wipes the tear that had dropped from Rick's eye at the mention of Rae.
"I know I never met her Rick, but it almost seems like I feel her presence sometimes when you speak of her, I am just so thankful she took the time to care for you until Martha rescued you. I can't even think of what life would be for me if she hadn't"
"You would have loved her Jess, in fact she was a little like you, she wouldn't back down and was fearless. She was as protective as they come for those she loved, that's why she died, protecting me" as Rick's eyes flood with tears, Jess just holds him, rocking back and forth slowly,
"Shh I got you, no one is ever going to hurt her or you again, I promise" Jess whispers to him as gentle comforting kisses are poured over his face. They remain like this till Jess hears his breaths begin to smooth out and he reaches up and kisses her deeply, "I love you Angel, for so many reasons, promise me you will never change OK?" Rick continues
"Well, honesty, always right? "Time for me to come clean, I left out a time period before I married Meredith, and it's part of my life you should know about Jess. I just hope this doesn't change anything."
"I joined the Marines right after receiving my GED, I didn't want to burden Mother any longer, I know she had made so many sacrifices for me, I just wanted to make it on my own," Jess is still in his lap, still comforting him as he is speaking,
"I never dreamed they would make me an officer but after serving 8 years I was discharged as a Captain, and that's how I got to go to college, and met the women you have heard about. LAST skeleton in my closet, I promise, so PLEASE forgive me for not telling earlier?"
Jess is still holding him and has her head on his shoulder looking behind him when she murmurs quietly "I knew about it Rick, I saw pictures that Martha had when I visited the loft and Lexi took me on the tour." "I thought you would tell me when you thought it was right, or maybe you didn't want to talk about it ever, either way it doesn't change my love for you." "Like you told me, technically it was a lie, withholding information, and I guess you will get your punishment tonight" as a wicked grin slices through her cheeks.
A kiss between the two was all that was needed to let each other know All was Right between them.
County Recorder's Office
Downtown NY, Same Time Frame.
A team of lawyers are just completing their notes when the clerk comes from the back with two copies of the record of real estate transfer stating ; City of NY transfers ownership of two city blocks, known as Washington Heights sub-division approximately 6 acres of houses and land, all sold in as is condition, new owner granted 5 years tax abatement, and 2 years to complete renovation to city code, asking price of $18 millions dollars, purchase price, cash $3,400,000. Transfer from City of NY to LJR Holding company effective today, 12:00 Noon.
The lead attorney for Rick, well Jess now takes a snapshot of the wording on the document, and sends a text to Jess,
"Just completed sale, hope terms are as we agreed, call with any questions, and we will set an appointment to deliver a copy of the finalized document" "Give our Regards to Rick, Thanks Bob"
Jess's phone pings with the arrival of the text so she displayed on the shared Large Screen that she and Rick shared. "Rick, look at this Sweetie, you must have scared the hell out of Bob, the last price I approved was $4.2 as a cap, look how far he got it down to." Rick is all smiles as he reads until,
"Hey Jess, who is LJR Holding company, did we buy it for a third party to keep us out of the public eye?"
"Rick, look at the initials very closely, L is for Lexi, J is for Jess and R, is for*" "Rockhead Rick", he interrupts with a laugh,
"Hey, go easy on him I happen to care a great deal about him even if he is a card short of a full deck sometimes" she giggles and starts to run knowing the chase is on.
Jess finally gets her revenge when she finds the delicate ticklish spot Rick has been so careful to hide all this time, kiss after kiss lands on the spot just below his right ear as he is laughing so hard she finally has to stop afraid she will send him into a seizure.
As Rick recovers and makes a quick lunch for them, Jess takes the time to type a text to Kate letting her know they are proceeding all speed ahead.
"Kate, can't believe Lost Innocence is about to begin, attached is the plot maps, and transfer agreement from the attorney just received, we should get together when you can to discuss, let me know when you're free, Thanks for your help, Love Ya, J&R
12th Precinct
1:00 PM Same Day
Kate is just finishing up the paperwork from another solved homicide, making her team, Montgomery and 1PP happy with her team now performing to the high standards they had been accustomed to when her phone pings with Jess's text tone.
She chooses to refill her coffee and take a moment to stretch her legs while she reads the text. She smiles as she visions the changes that will be coming to Washington Park, and the help so many poor souls would be receiving very soon. The only concern now is how is Simmons going to react, it's known he has spies throughout city hall so by now he is aware things are about to change.
She takes a minute to return Jess's text, "So Happy Jess, I know this will bring Rick some closure, I'm checking schedules now, should be free tomorrow night, IF No Body Drops. Back at ya both, (She isn't quite comfortable yet using the Love Ya ending, but she knows what Jess means) XoXo Kate.
Castle's Loft 1:30 PM
Same Day
Jess's phone pings with a text she knows is from Kate, and as she reads it, she is reminded they have lunch with Kelly Nunez tomorrow at the loft at 12:30 AM. "Rick, you didn't forget we are meeting with Kelly tomorrow here at 12:30 did you Sweetie?"
"No, I didn't but if I did your calendar reminders you set on Outlook remind me every 6 hours" he smiles, and Jess knows he is just complaining, not really aggravated
"Well do you have anything for tomorrow night. I texted Kate and she is free if we are to discuss next steps"
"Mike Reboddo is coming over at 7:30 PM to discuss the head of security post remember Hun? That would actually work out well if they were both here at the same time, why don't you see if she can make it then if you have no conflicts."
"Sweetie, it's a shared calendar for a reason and no I am free then as well, I'll see if Kate can make it then"
She grabs her phone and opens Kate's last text and replies
"Can you come tomorrow at 7:30 PM, interviewing an acquaintance of Ricks for head of security, be nice to have your input as well Rick said. Let me know, Hugs, Jess"
She is careful to leave out how Rick and Mike became acquainted, that story was for Rick to tell to who and when he was comfortable.
Less than a minute passes when the answer from Kate came
"I'll be there. XoXo KB
A/N Good stopping point for now, things are moving for the project, and I took writers liberties on the wording of the document, and prices of NY real estate, don't hammer me about those details. Another surprise, Rick is a Vet, and Kate is staying involved with the project. Nest Chapter will be full; lunch with Kelly and meeting at night, may need to break it up. Thanks always for the reads, reviews and follows, much appreciated Tim
